ON THE SET

"The judge wishes to speak to you now," the bailiff said to Emma and Alan.

The girl stood up, inhaled deeply and straightened her hair. She was dressed in her best sundress, wearing the best shoes, a little make-up, looking like a young woman more than like a soon-to-be-fourteen child. She bit her lip nervously, and entered the judge’s chambers.

Alan too stood up from the bench where he was sitting with her, dressed in a dark grey suit, not too elegant but not too lousy either -- he always had the "experienced man" look which seemed to have a charm on women. He followed Emma into the room.

Judge Joan A. Sutherland’s office was small and tidy, sober and pleasant, furnished with elegance but without being excessively kitsch. She was a fairly well-built woman with a bright smile, a once-beautiful lady now in her 70s, but still bearing charisma and a strong presence.

"Have a seat, both of you," she said warmly, after having shaken hands with them both. "And you, Miss Watson, do you remember me?"

Emma squeaked. She did, all too well. Joan Sutherland had been a neighbour of hers when she was a little girl, when she lived in Knoxville with her parents. She sat down quickly, looking even more nervous.

"I may be mistaken, but..." Alan said, looking from one to the other, "do you know each other already?"

The judge smiled. "I lived by Emma for a few years, when she was young, and I remember her very well. She had a habit of picking my flowers for her mother." She winked at Emma, who blushed and nodded.

"Hmm," said Alan, raising an eyebrow. "With your or her mother’s consent, I hope," and he too threw a soft glance at the young girl, who blushed even deeper.

"Not really," Emma admitted. "But I was only five! And I helped her work in the garden, I watered the flowers."

The judge nodded. "Indeed, it was a nice trade once I found the wee thief out."

"Indeed, indeed," said Alan, smiling. He took a seat and straightened his tie. "I see certain dispositions for mischief cannot but increase with age, can they?... Oh c’mon, I’m just kidding," and he tousled Emma’s hair affectionately.

Emma smiled and gave him a quick hug.

"That is what I like to see!" Judge Sutherland said. "Now, shall we begin? I have had the pleasure to speak with Mr. Rickman’s attorney several days ago," she remembered, to which Alan gave a small nod, "and of course I have dealt with Emma’s parents and their lawyers several times. It is a quite thorny situation, it would appear. But I haven’t spoken with you yet, young miss... haven’t in years, actually. So, what brought this big change on?"

Judge Sutherland sat in a waiting position, her chin rested on her hands as she looked at Emma.

Emma took a deep breath. "Well, my parents, or my dad more really. They just don’t like me and they... they don’t care," she whispered. It was painful to admit it aloud, and she knew at the very bottom of her heart that they did love her. But that was simply not enough for her. She needed care, real care, and guidance, real guidance, and they were apparently unable to hand that out. "And.... he’s slapped me a few times," she rubbed her cheek. "But Alan... he really cares about me! All the time! Even if he does spank me, he... he loves me!" Emma said, rather rushed.

Alan inhaled but didn’t say anything. Judge Sutherland, au the contrary, looked between the two of them with a rather questioning look. "I see. Well, that is indeed something notable, Emma. I did not know that there was such violence in your household... I wonder why I have never noticed in the many years we have lived nearby. I did not know that Mr. Rickman seems to favour an old fashioned way either, actually," she said, turning to him, not without a little smile.

"Yes, well," said Alan, clearing his throat. "I most certainly do."

Emma blushed, and squirmed in her seat. "And I love him a lot," she admitted. "And I don’t care if he spanks me or not." She looked down at her hands that were resting in her lap.

"Hmm... forgive me, but I find that hard to believe," said Judge Sutherland, turning her full attention to her. "It must elicit some sort of reaction, whether positive or negative. How do you feel about that? How does that differ from your father’s slaps?"

She noticed how Emma was hesitating, and constantly taking deep breaths, so she leant over on her desk and spoke: "No rush. Do you want some water? Juice?... not sure I can offer you anything else, the bar is closed at the moment," she added with a smirk.

Emma blushed and giggled. "I’m okay, thank you ma’am. Well. It’s hard to say," she admitted. "I hate being spanked, because it hurts, but obviously that’s rather the point... but... it makes me feel, well, really loved! He lets me cry and he holds me, he loves me, and... and that’s why he does it." Emma watched the judge to see how she’d react to this.

Judge Sutherland did not say a word or move a muscle throughout Emma’s explanation, but rather just listened and pondered, wondering. "I can see that, indeed, you seem to appreciate this kind of approach, despite it being painful."

Again, Emma nodded. "Yeah I guess so. Better than being slapped and insulted, that’s for sure."

"I understand," said Judge Sutherland, then she turned to Alan: "Is this your first recourse in discipline, Mr. Rickman, or do you have other methods as well? Not that I disapprove of spanking, as it can be a great motivator, but it is not needed for every incident. How can I know that your punishments will not become abusive and put Emma in the same situation that is she trying to leave right now? And how exactly did this get started?" The judge was interested, not at all condescending, and asked what was required of her to ask.

"Well, I can say that it is my first recourse, yes," Alan said, caring to choose his words carefully. "I consider myself pretty permissive, after all, Emma is almost fourteen and like all teenagers has her needs and passions and everything. But I care for her and I want her to grow a responsible adult, able to tell right from wrong and, most of all, respective of herself and others, which is the main issue with her. Hence, I will say that I have spanked when necessary, and let go with a warning when I did not see it fit.

"It started, I must confess, out of pure frustration... she was treating me and everyone as though we were her butlers, using a great deal of foul language, too, and in order to get her attention, I spanked her."

Emma blushed, remembering that day very clearly.

The judge nodded. "I see. Still, that does not answer the question on whether or not this may escalate into an abusive home for her. Is there any sort of argument that you can give for that? I do not see you as the abusive sort, Mr. Rickman, but it is my duty to ask such questions and have a reasonable feeling of security that the home will be well balanced and full of love and care."

"That is of course very understandable," he said, nodding. "Well, what can I say... spanking is a violent act, and God knows we want to spare Emma more violence. But as she said herself, although she hates it, she knows it is being done by me out of the best intentions. I love her very much. She was just a snotty kid until two months ago, but now she means the world to me, and that is the basis for her punishments – punishments which she has started to accept more wilfully, as of late, I must add. As for the abusive regard, well, I can say it is not overly harsh on my part, though of course I cannot prove it at the moment."

"I would not be so sure of that, Mr. Rickman," said Judge Sutherland in a strange tone. "You could prove it, in theory... but anyway: Emma, how do you feel about what Alan just said?"

"I agree with it," Emma said truthfully. "He doesn’t, like, give me bruises or anything," she admitted. "And I don’t fight him too much anymore. I mean, no one *wants* to get spanked, but I don’t try to scratch his eyes out or anything. And I deserve it anyway."

The judge nodded. "Very well said."

"And it’s not like I get spanked every day!" Emma added.

"Hmm, this is important. For how long has this being going on? "

Alan thought: "I’d say about two months, Em?"

"Yeah, that’s about right," she nodded. "The last few weeks of filming, but we kept seeing each other afterwards too. On the set, he would take care of me when I got sick too," Emma pointed out.

"I understand," said Judge Sutherland. "Well, that was nice of him, indeed. And, though it may seem an indiscreet inquiry at the moment... how many times have you been subject to corporal punishment, in these weeks?" The woman remained calm and controlled throughout as though she were speaking of Sunday’s cricket games results.

Emma thought hard for a moment. "Well, I think, six times? In like seven weeks. That seems right, huh?" she asked Alan.

Alan nodded. "Yes, it has happened six times, two of which very close to each other, the last of which being almost two weeks ago," Alan said.

"Quite frequent indeed," Judge Sutherland commented. "But I seem to understand the frequency is decreasing."

Emma nodded, then smiled at Alan, keeping her fingers crossed. "Yes, I’m getting better. My parents never really punished me. When they were mad, my dad would slap me, or they’d yell for a long time and then not talk to me at all for like a week. So, it was a new thing, and I had a couple tantrums at first. But now I know that that is not proper behaviour, and I am working really hard not to use bad words or have my temper get all out of wack. And to let him know when I will be late too. My friends and I went to a marathon of movies and got back really late, and I learned I can’t do that, because he worries, and see my parents never really did. It’s been a big change, but I’m working really hard. He says he’s proud of me and that makes me feel very special." Emma’s face lit up as she mentioned his pride in her.

Alan looked towards Emma and smiled at her, proud that she was understanding so much better what the whole deal was about. Judge Sutherland, on her behalf, was silent for a few seconds, then addressed them both. "Well... what I have heard is interesting and touching. And though I would like to believe you, I am not sure I can. You are two very well-trained actors, after all. Now, now, don’t get me wrong, I do not mean to be offensive or demeaning. What I mean is..."

Emma looked down, tears stinging her eyes. This ain’t gonna work, she thought.

"... you have been telling me your story, this and that, and I need to make sure that what you said was not just a way for me to agree to Emma’s adoption from Alan. Again: Emma could have been a holy terror as a child but she never was a liar, I can be sure of that, and you being trustworthy, Mr. Rickman, is not even in debate. Still, as you know, I am here to uphold the law and make sure this girl finds a proper guide in you, Mr. Rickman. In short, I need something based on fact to convince me that it is indeed the best choice for this girl to become Emma Rickman."

The way that name sounded made Alan feel very weird. Proud, and scared at the same time. Emma, sulked in her chair, sniffled silently to herself, having no clue what to do. She wanted more than anything to be Emma Rickman.

Alan unbuttoned his jacket... it’s getting hot in here... and nodded at the Judge’s words. "It’s alright, honey," he said, addressing Emma. "Well, I agree and understand, Judge Sutherland. And, on second thought, I think there is a way for you to be convinced. A way which will also solve your doubts about the spankings not being abusive."

"And what way is that way?" Judge Sutherland asked, interested. Emma looked up as well, eagerly excited.

He took a deep breath and said it: "I am going to give Emma a spanking right here, when you can see with your own eyes."

Emma’s eyes widened, while the Judge nodded approvingly.

"Not bare though, right?" the young girl squeaked.

"Oh, Emma..." said Judge Sutherland. "I am not sure if you remember, but I helped your mother bathe you when you were two years old. I do not think that is going to be a problem, is it."

Emma’s face flamed red, and she squirmed in her chair. She bit her lip and looked at Alan, uncertain as to what to do. He looked back at her, knowing this was something very tough for her to endure, and was very sympathetic.

"Do you understand the reason for this, Em?" he said, softly.

Emma nodded, her face still flushed. "At least I know I wasn’t naughty," she said softly. She was very thankful there were no hairbrushes or wooden spoons around, though!

"Well, if you really need a reason, I think that rolling your eyes at me this morning qualifies..." he said, but then smiled. "I am only kidding. No, you have been all the contrary: very good."

Judge Sutherland, for the first time since they had entered, smiled brightly.

Emma just could not restrain herself any longer, and stood from her armchair, and bounced onto his lap, and hugged him very tight. Taken aback, Alan returned the hug, then detached from her.

"Do you think you are ready?"

Taking a very deep breath, Emma nodded. "As ready as I can be!... This is so embarrassing though," she admitted in half a voice.

Judge Sutherland sat back in her chair, with the face of someone who is at the movies, only, without popcorn and soda.

"I am sure it is, Em, but for what it’s worth," and he eyed the woman, "it is for me too."

Emma nodded, and waited for him to make the first move.

"That’s my girl... Bend over my lap, Emma."

Emma stood up at his side, took a deep breath, and leaned over his lap, wriggling into what felt comfortable. Alan adjusted her body like he always did, and for the first time, she didn’t look fragile, or weak. He was sure she was just as determined as he was. With rapid, but efficient gestures, he raised her dress, to reveal plain white cotton knickers. The girl squirmed a little out of nervousness, and that could only be expected of course.

Under Judge Sutherland’s inspecting eyes, Alan lowered the girl’s underwear to just a bit below her bottom, so that it was in full view but still would keep her modesty unharmed.

"This is going to hurt some, honey," he said.

Emma nodded, and held onto his leg, trying to brace herself. "Love you," she whispered.

He did not hear what she said, but he murmured the same: "I love you." Then he raised his hand and spanked quite hard across both of her cheeks. whack!

"Ooh!" she yelped.

Alan spanked again, and again, gaining a tempo of one smack per second, alternating between cheeks. – whack smack spank whack – Emma wriggled and her bottom bounced with each spank, blushing a baby pink with his handprints.

"Ouch! Ow!" she yelped

He knew it was hurting, but also that he must continue, and continue he did, without missing one. – spank whack smack – Emma started to sniffle, the embarrassment making her closer to crying much earlier then usual. Her legs began to kick a little.

"Ow! Oww!! Owwieee!"

Alan changed position on the chair to grab a better hold of his little charge, and circled her waist with an arm while swinging the other in a slightly faster flurry of spanks.

"Owwww!" Emma wailed, then finally couldn’t hold it any longer and just had to burst into tears, her legs kicking harder. It wasn’t being the hardest spanking for her, but it definitely was for him, since she had done nothing wrong, but still, he kept it up, smacking into her buttocks and thighs with medium force. Emma bawled and kicked, tears running down her face. Her hands flew back to block the swats.

"I’ll be good with you, I swear!" she wailed, even though she had done nothing wrong.

"You are good, Emma..." he restrained her hands with his – spank whack. "You’re the best young girl I’ve seen in my life," he said, hoping to reassure her. whack spank

Emma just bawled and kicked, wishing it would stop. His hands were always so hard on her tender bottom, that somehow she wondered what things such as the hairbrush or the wooden spoon were for after all. She finally went limp, just crying, rather soaking a spot on his pant leg.

Finally, Alan noticed that her bottom had reached the colour he wanted it to reach – dark pink, tending to red – and so he stopped, and caught his breath, allowing Em to do the same. As soon as he released her hands and she had caught her breath, she turned around, throwing her arms around his neck, hugging him tight. Judge Sutherland gave a warm smile; it reminded her of her relationship with her own dear parents: loving guidance and consequences for naughtiness.

Alan saw the woman smile, and smiled back in her direction, but most of his attention was focused on Emma: he hugged her very tight, squeezing her in his embrace and rubbing her back, kissing her forehead. With a hand he replaced her panties, while gravity made her dress fall back to cover her bottom and legs. A few moments later, Emma’s cries had died down to sniffles and an occasional hiccup; she always hiccuped when she cried hard. But she stayed in his lap, letting her bottom fall between his legs instead of sitting on them, and cuddled tight against his chest. There was no greater feeling then having him hold her, and knowing he loved her, no matter what. Wiping a hand across her face, she looked shyly at the judge.

Judge Sutherland was known for being a rather un-emotional woman, so much that she had earned herself the nickname of Joan "Alaska" Sutherland while still an attorney... but that little scene sure moved her, and although she would never admit it, a small tear was about to escape the corner of her eye.

"Well, I," she said, sitting up. "I think I have seen what I needed to see. How are you, hon?"

Emma blushed and sniffled. "Sore... but good," she said softly.

The woman nodded, and smiled at her. "And you, sir? Tell me what you are feeling and how much you want to adopt this young girl."

Alan sighed. "I’m feeling sorry because she’s crying, but I’m so proud of her for being so courageous and smart. As for your question... yes, I want her to be my daughter more than anything else."

Judge Sutherland nodded. "I understand. Well, I think we will adjourn back to this very same courtroom in three days from now. Thank you both for this... demonstration and for answering my questions." She stood up and led the way out of her office.

* * *

Three days took ages to pass, but they eventually did. Emma and Alan were both very nervous in and a very foul mood, but this didn’t grant the girl any trips across his lap for the time being. She had had a couple of scarce contacts with her parents, who seemed, if possible, even more eager than her to sever the link, and this couldn’t but hurt a lot. She loved them, and knew they loved her, but somehow things did not seem to work. It would have been a true disgrace if Judge Sutherland and the Juvenile Court in general had ruled against Alan’s petition to adopt her.

And finally, after that endless wait, Alan and Emma found themselves in the small courtroom once again, for the final sentence to be announced. The Juvenile Courtroom was a rather small office with a big counter and a few seats, not at all like the big crowded tribunals you see in movies. It still felt rather scary to be there, because Emma was conscious that her future would be disposed of in the very next minutes.

They all stood when Judge Sutherland entered the room and took her seat. The bailiff handed her some papers, and she read aloud.

"I have reviewed all the facts of this case carefully, and spoken to all involved parties. I have seen that Emma is a very bright and kind little girl, who needs a loving ‘hand’ to guide her through her teen years, and to be with her as a parent should. I have spoken to Mrs. and Mr. Watson, and their attorney. I have spoken to Emma. I have spoken to Mr. Rickman and his attorney, and have found Mr. Rickman a loving, kind, and very capable of taking care of a young girl. As such, I declare him guardian of Emma Watson, making her Emma Rickman. My congratulations to you both. Court is adjourned." She banged her gavel and left the courtroom.

Emma shouted happily and jumped on Alan, hugging him tight, giggling and smiling.

On his behalf, Alan was flabbergasted. He never thought this would happen, not so fast, not like this, not this ultimately... and he never thought he’d find himself so happy to almost want to cry. Almost. But instead of crying, he hugged Emma very tight, then detached and looked in her eyes. There was pure joy there, only joy. He gave her a soft, fatherly peck on her lips.

"I love you, daughter," he said, softly.

"Love you, daddy!" Emma squealed happily.

Hand in hand, new father and daughter walked to where the court clerk waited, and signed the proper papers. As they left the courthouse together, they each took a deep breath, and squeezed the hand they were holding. This was a start of a whole new life, for both of them. It would be scary sometimes, and fun sometimes, and sad sometimes, but they were both ready.

"Come on dad," Emma whispered, tears of joy shining her bright eyes. "Let’s go home."

click here for pictures of Emma and Alan